Dalot's Portugal beaten by Germany at U21 Euros

Monday 07 June 2021 11:51

Diogo Dalot suffered a heartbreaking end to his time at the European Under-21 Championship on Sunday, as Portugal went down 1-0 to Germany in the competition's final.

A goal in the 49th minute, scored by Manchester City's Lukas Nmecha (currently on loan at Anderlecht) proved the difference between the sides, in a closely contested match.
 
It was a sad end for Dalot, who had been a mainstay of the Selecao's defence throughout the tournament.
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And the Portuguese backline had been one of the key factors that enabled Diogo and his team-mates to make it all the way through to the competition's final day.
 
Indeed, Portugal had kept four clean sheets in five games on their way through the Euros.
 
Only in the quarter-finals, against Italy, in a madcap match which finished 5-3 after extra-time, did they concede prior to coming up against Germany this weekend.
Dalot played every minute of the tournament, starting at left-back in the first three fixtures – wins over Croatia, England and Switzerland in Group D, matches which were played out in March.
 
In the knockout stage, the 22-year-old switched to the right flank, and was instrumental in both defence and attack as Portugal overcame Italy and then Spain to set up a decider with Germany.
 
Sadly, Dalot and his colleagues were unable to find the net, despite good chances for Vitinha, Tiago Tomas and Dalot himself. Nmecha made them pay in the second half, when he rounded goalkeeper Diogo Costa to settle the contest.
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But Diogo can be happy with his time in Hungary and Slovenia, where he has done his reputation no harm.
 
Indeed, it's been a positive season throughout for Dalot, who spent the campaign in Italy on loan with AC Milan.
 
He made 33 appearances with the Rossoneri, with over a third of those in the less familiar position of left-back, thereby underlining his versatility.

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